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Although the government's house building targets have been backed with £3bn of extra funding, ministers urgently need to find new ways to provide more homes and meet challenges that vary drastically across the country.

In many urban areas – especially across the North – housing needs to be addressed as part of wider regeneration, taking into account the area's economic development. A different approach for each region is essential, and the inquiry will examine how this can best be achieved.

The parliamentary group, made up of MPs and Peers from the three main parties, will examine:
housing challenges faced by northern and southern towns and cities
the most effective ways to deliver urban housing
options for improving housing quality and supply
what role the private sector must play

The committee will be holding a public inquiry session in November, and will make its final report and recommendations in early 2008.

Urban Development Group Chair Clive Betts MP, said:
"The government has set out targets for new homes – but the current system will not deliver what's needed. Our Inquiry will provide recommendations for ministers, who are right to have started a national debate on housing policy.

"We must now find better ways to build new housing – and the solutions will involve both public and private sector players. And we need to help towns and cities across the country to deliver decent places to live. Our Inquiry is intended to provide some of the answers."